According to new research findings, some traumatic brain injury patients may be suffering from a decreased ability to process emotions. This impairment can be frustrating for the TBI patient, as well as family and friends. Not only can emotional processing problems place a strain on personal relationships, but it slow down the TBI victim's recovery time.
Head injury specialist Roger Wood, a University of Swansea professor, and Claire Williams conducted the studies on TBI patients. The two of them asked brain injury patients to take a neuropsychological test questionnaire called a "Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale." TBI participants consistently scored twice as low as did control subjects.
Wood and Williams also found that more TBI patients suffered from Alexithymia than originally thought. People with alexithymia have a harder time recognizing and describing what they are feeling, which can be very frustrating for both patients and those around them. During one study, TBI patients exhibited an impaired ability to identify the emotions of people they saw on video and in photos.
Emotional processing problems is just one of many impairments that an Orange County, California traumatic brain injury victim may face. Communication difficulties, memory problems, personality disorders, mood swings, cognitive impairments, limited physical functioning, brain disorders, and coma are some of the other effects that a person with a TBI might experience.
The medical costs for treating and supporting someone with a serious TBI can be astronomical. Round-the-clock nursing care, specialized medical equipment, complicated and ongoing medical procedures, physical therapy, psychotherapy, and multiple drug prescriptions may be required. You may need help beyond an individual medical insurance plan to cover all costs. Obtaining financial compensation from a liable party can help cover your TBI-related bills and associated expenses.
Traumatic Brain Injury leads to problems with emotional processing, Psychology Today, January 3, 2010
What is Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes
Related Web Resources:
The Balanced Emotional Empathy Test (BEES)
Our Anaheim traumatic brain injury lawyers can help you determine whether you have grounds for pursing an Orange County, California TBI claim against a negligent driver, vehicle manufacturer, doctor, premise owner, or another liable individual or entity.
